flu definition - Dictionary

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	flue-cure

	flue gas

	flue pipe

	flue stop

	fluellin

	fluence

	fluent

	fluey

	fluff

	fluffy

	flügelhorn

	fluid

	fluid clutch

	fluid dram

	fluid drive

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flu

flu [ floo ] (plural flus)

noun

Definition:

widespread viral illness: a viral illness producing a high temperature, sore throat, running nose, headache, dry cough, and muscle pain. The illness is widespread, especially during winter months, and can sometimes be fatal.
Technical name influenza

[Mid-19th century. Shortening of influenza]

flu·like adjective

Spelling Note


	flu, flue, or flew? Do not confuse the spelling of flu, flue, and flew, which sound similar. The nouns flu and flue are probably the most likely to be confused: Flu is an illness, whereas a flue is a smoke or heat outlet or a type of organ pipe. Flew is the past tense of the verb fly: Time flew past.